He claims those calling for him to do so are “merely enjoying the game of politics.” The News and Mail reported last week that Cllr Popham resigned his membership of the Conservative Party to become an independent councillor. He announced his decision at Woking Borough Council’s last full council meeting on Thursday October 13, accusing Conservatives of “furthering the careers of themselves and their buddies.” He said: “Last year I moved to Bristol for family and work reasons and offered my resignation to colleagues but was persuaded to stay on to avoid the inconvenience of a by-election. “The episode brought to a head a number of concerns I had developed about the inner core’s unhealthy influence of a type that disconnects the public from its elected representatives.” Cllr Popham was the object of criticism last year when he moved to Bristol but did not stand down and remained a councillor for West Byfleet. In May, he stood for election in the Clifton East area of Bristol. West Byfleet resident Richard Wilson, who stood as an independent candidate in the 2003 borough elections, said: “I am not surprised by what Cllr Popham is saying but I can’t sit quietly through this. “I’m challenging him to stand down and call a by-election. He should put his money where his mouth is. “I want to see a by-election and see who the residents want as an independent councillor. I challenge him to resign.” Sue Kittelsen, former chairman of Byfleet Parish Council who defected from being an independent to the Liberal Democrats earlier this year, said: “I have absolutely no objection with anyone who sees through the Conservative party and I respect Mike Popham for that. “I believe if he wants to remain as a councillor, however, he should do so in the area in which he now lives and works. “The only way you can be a true representative for the people who elect you is to live in their area. It’s the only way you can get a true feeling for the area. “When you are elected you become a public servant and they are the public that elect you. “My personal opinion is that he should stand down.” Deputy Lib Dem leader Cllr Philip Goldenberg said he thought Cllr Popham had done a “public service” by exposing the workings of the Conservative Party. Cllr Goldenberg said: “It is quite clear from what he said in the council chamber that when he moved to Bristol he thought he should step down and they persuaded him not to do so. “I think he should have stepped down but now — six or seven months before his term ends — there is not much point.” Cllr Popham has pledged he will remain the village’s representative on Woking Borough Council until he stands down in May. He said: “I will of course not be standing for re-election in May. By staying for the remaining few months I shall be able to see through schemes I initiated and avoid the cost to others of a by-election. “The two people who have called for me to stand down are merely enjoying the game of politics. “I am as active now as I always was and will do my duty until I stand down — as promised.” Cllr Popham’s resignation cuts the Conservative majority on Woking Borough Council to one. There are 16 councillors — 15 Liberal Democrats, four Labour and there is one independent.